sunglasses

The Classicist: Made in the Shade - Porsche Design Heritage Collection

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style, The Classicist, Architecture & Design

Unlike some collections whose famous names reflect only lucrative licensing deals, products bearing the Porsche Design label have a pedigree that's strongly linked to the famed sports car marque. The Porsche Design Studio was established in 1972 by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, designer of the iconic Porsche 911 and grandson of the founder of the world-renowned German automaker. Since then Porsche Design has become synonymous with innovative luxury products boasting immaculate craftsmanship, state of the art technology and the absolute highest quality materials, all adhering to the same clear functionality of form. While the product line ranges from cell phones to superyachts these days, sunglasses, one of the first items produced and one with the strongest ties to driving, remain the most appealing.

During the '70s and '80s the coveted sunglasses were the shades of choice for the rich and famous who prized elegant, sporty style. Now Porsche Design Eyewear has come out with a new "Heritage Collection" of aviators celebrating this colorful history. Often copied by others, they remind us that the originals haven't been bettered. The new collection is not just a re-issue of the most notable sunglass designs however, but also an update for the 21st century. Iconic styles that went out of production years ago are back with major upgrades in materials with super lightweight, anti-corrosive titanium frames and lightweight shatter-proof polycarbonate lenses with a multi-layered premium anti-reflective coating. Priced from $250–$409, there are four classic styles in the collection in various color combinations, all variations on the iconic aviator shape and all now available from haute online eyewear boutique Eyegoodies.

Gallery: Porsche Design Heritage Collection

Tags: aviator, aviator sunglasses, aviators, car design, design, Eyegoodies, Eyewear, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, German design, Germany, leather, Porsche 911, Porsche Design, sports car, sunglasses, titanium

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Maybach Wheels out a Line of Sunglasses

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style

We don't want to say it, but we must: Maybach is probably doing better with its lifestyle accessories than it is with its cars. And with some undeniably attractive options on its designer menu, you don't need to go far in search of an explanation. The line has been joined by a range of ten spectacle frames and eight different sunglasses, produced under license by German optics company IVKO.

Details on the hand-made glasses are as lavish as those found inside a Maybach 62, with piano-lacquered wood, natural horn, carbon fiber and leather-trimmed arms, titanium, 18-carat white, yellow, and rose gold frames. Lenses come from those quality glassmakers over at Zeiss.

For something more bespoke you can give your shades the coachbuilt treatment with Maybach's Individual Collection, which "will cater to various special requests and customization choices and features 18K carat gold details." Sadly, there still won't be enough room here to add a refrigerator or humidor, but you might find space for rhinos and emus to make the contributions. You'll be able to purchase them come October, when the ready-to-wear range lands at retail.

Gallery: Maybach Eyewear

Tags: maybach, maybach eyewear, maybach sunglasses, spectacles, sunglasses

Gucci Special Edition Heritage Aviators

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Men's Style

Italian luxury label Gucci has come out with a cool new collection of "heritage" aviator sunglasses harking back to the brand's heyday of louche glamour in the '60s and '70s. The three new models – 1627/S, 1622/S, and 3108/S – all feature the vintage red and green Gucci stripe and "G" logo on both temples and complete the theme with a special edition leather case and carrying pouch. The case has a wide signature stripe while the pouch has a matching strap. Available in multiple classic color combinations, the best are the basic black versions which have the classic red and green stripe on them. The Gucci 1627/S is a well fitting unisex aviator, the 622/S is a slightly larger unisex cross between an aviator and a wrap, and the 3108/S is a more feminine style. They're now available for $174, $180 and $170 respectively from haute online eyewear boutique Eyegoodies.

Gallery: Gucci Special Edition Heritage Aviators

Tags: aviators, Eyegoodies, Gucci, mens style, sunglasses

"Designer Day" Sale at 6pm.com, July 22

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Timepieces / Watches, Shoes, Men's Style

Set a reminder on your PDA and in Outlook, put a Post-It on your desk and the fridge ... Thursday, July 22, is Designer Day at 6pm.com, the site where serious shoppers can go for a daily fix of name brands, up to 75% off every day. 6pm is a sibling site to Zappos.

As part of a weeklong summer sale, 6pm is having one day with the following brands marked down even further than its already low prices: Donald J Pliner, up to 75% off; Giuseppe Zanotti, up to 70% off; Stuart Weitzman, up to 70% off; Juicy Couture Swimwear, 70% off; Marc by Marc Jacobs Swimwear, 60% off; designer sunglasses, up to 85% off; and designer watches, up to 75% off.

Also check out the sales on the other days that week (Sunday, July 18 - Saturday, July 24) on summer, fall and winter apparel; footwear; and accessories.

Tags: 6pm, 6pm.com, designer, sale, shoes, sunglasses, watches, Zappos, Zappos.com

Prada Launches Swing Sunglasses With Manga Contest

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Prada launched its new Swing Sunglasses Collection at Joe's Pub in New York City this week. The capsule collection of sunglasses with swooped frames were designed to match the modern femininity of the Autumn/Winter 2010
collection. The new Swing Sunglasses combine a slightly 1950s cats-eye shape with the simple ultra-minimalist lines of Prada's 1990s fashions.

Prada, which is famous for its multiple collaborations with architects, designers, directors and photographers is also launching a "Manga Contest". Participants will include the best-known comic book-design schools along with independent illustrators. The participants will be asked to design a fantasy heroine who must wear Prada Swing sunglasses in the comic strip. The contest will be open to submissions from July 14 to August 31. The winner's heroines will become the protagonists of a Prada publication. The sunglasses sell for $245 and will be available in Prada stores in October.

The Prada Swing Sunglasses collection are also part of the brand's Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. The campaign for the collection was filmed by Steven Meisel and set to the rhythm of the song "Fever," as performed by KaTeY J. For more details on the fall campaign check out my colleague Jared Paul Stern's post earlier this week which includes the video for the collection.

Tags: manga, prada, sunglasses

Tag-Heuer Eyewear Introduces Squadra Night Vision Optics and Purple Temples

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Tag Heuer Eyewear's line grows by one with the addition of its Squadra Night Vision optics. There are phrases like "opthalmic mask" and "universal nocturnal myopia" involved here, but all you really need to know is that they've been engineered to enhance contrast at night. Having the glasses do the heavy lifting instead of your rods and cones will reduce eye fatigue and increase your ability to make out all those important details after dusk.

The one-piece lens is fitted with arms of titanium, elastomer and soft rubber, firm enough to hold your head but flexible enough to fit under helmets – as the Audi drivers who won Le Mans this year wearing these specs could attest. They're offered in two shapes, for $450.

If you never plan to race and instead you just want to look good in lavender, Tag Heuer has also released purple temples. They're available on three of Tag's collections, ranging from $330 to $350: Zenith Rimless Curve, Zenith Rimless Curve Glamour and Squadra.

Gallery: Tag Heuer Eyewear Squadra Night Vision and Purple Temples

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Tags: optics, sunglasses, tag heuer, tag heuer eyeglasses, tag heuer eyewear

Ray-Ban Launches Carbon Fiber Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Men's Style

Earlier this year we told you about Ray-Ban re-inventing classic sunglass styles with their Craft Leather Collection; now the famed eyewear brand has done it again, this time using high-tech carbon fiber. The two styles in the new Carbon Fiber Collection include a classic aviator (top) and a rectangular version of the iconic pilot's style. Carbon fiber, which is stronger and lighter than steel, is used on everything from supercars to jet fighters and the space shuttle. The sunglasses also employ a resin composite for added flexibility and resilience. Both the aviators ($160) and rectangular style ($180) feature lightweight polycarbonate lenses and slim elongated carbon fiber temples with rubber tips for added strength, comfort and non-slip grip. Both are now available with either polarized or non polarized lenses in multiple classic color combinations and matching carbon fiber-patterned cases from haute online eyewear boutique Eyegoodies.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: carbon fiber, Eyegoodies, eyewear, Ray-Ban, sunglasses

Evan Yurman, Next in Line for the David Yurman Empire - Exclusive Interview

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Last year when we talked to David Yurman (David Yurman at Bloomingdales - Exclusive Interview), he spoke about working as a husband-and-wife team and alluded to the increasing involvement of his son in the family business. Evan Yurman has helped with the men's collections, and now, has even designed his own collection of women's eyewear (known to non-industry folks as "sunglasses") for David Yurman.

We talked to Evan Yurman, the next in line for the David Yurman empire, about more than just fancy shades -- read the interview below for a peek inside this fiery fashion heir; a talented designer in his own right. Just scroll down to see the amethyst-studded beauties which grace his sparkling collection ($695).

Luxist: Have you always been involved in the family business?

Evan Yurman: I officially joined the company in 2004. Before then, I spent time cutting and carving with my knife collection; it was part of my eventual growth into design. Creativity has always been part of my life, so it is great to have an outlet to explore my ideas.

L: What do you foresee in the future of the Yurman collections?

EY: We will continue to incorporate unique, artisanal elements into our collections while staying true to our brand DNA of innovation in the modern tradition. I like integrating different textures and motifs -- rhino, sea urchin, waves, chevron are some of my favorites.

Tags: David Yurman, DavidYurman, designer interview, DesignerInterview, Evan Yurman, EvanYurman, eyewear, sunglasses

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Lumete Eyewear to Debut This Summer

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Lumete Eyewear will be launching its debut collection of luxury eyewear this summer with hopes of elevating sunglasses to "ultimate accessory" status and providing an alternative to designer labels. The line includes five designs that each come in four different color schemes (my favorite is Wanderling in 'Champagne Pearl') and feature lux materials like "richly hued acetates," Swarovski crystals, custom hardware, detailed painting, and intricate etching. All Lumete Eyewear sunglasses are handmade and come with their own satin drawstring "Lumete treasure bag" that includes a special Lumete necklace designed to hold your glasses, hard clutch case, soft pouch case, and microfiber lens cloth. Lumete Eyewear will be available at retailers and online in July for $180/pair.

Gallery: Lumete Eyewear

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Tags: accessories, lumete eyewear, sunglasses

Dunhill Launches New Line of Sunglasses

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Men's Style

Famed London luxury goods firm Dunhill is launching a new line of men's sunglasses for Spring / Summer 2010. Each design, priced at $325, takes inspiration from elements of the Dunhill menswear collection, with three themes entitled Club, Classic and Ultimate. Every pair of Dunhill sunglasses features lightweight polyamide lenses which are breakage-resistant and offer the highest standards of UV protection and optical quality, with the Alfred Dunhill 'AD' vintage logo branded on each temple. The Club collection presents a choice of casual designs in a neutral palette to pair perfectly with Dunhill's crisp Oxford striped shirts, khaki chinos and Bladon leather luggage; the black-toned Classic collection is inspired by Dunhill's tradition of finely-tailored tuxedos; and the Ultimate collection is inspired by the motoring-derived carbon fiber which Dunhill uses in everything from pens to skis. The masculine and functional material is complemented by rubber elements with rubber injected 'AD' logos and carbon fiber and rubber lined temples for a comfortable fit. Every piece of Dunhill eyewear is presented in an 'AD' embossed black case complete with branded cleaning cloth and a Dunhill heritage and guarantee booklet.

Tags: carbon fiber, Dunhill, eyewear, London, menswear, summer, sunglasses

Versace Baroque-Print Sunglasses

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Hot off the runways in Milan, Versace is launching their Fall/Winter 2010-2011 sunglasses. These swirly-chic pieces are both Maison and Alice in Wonderland inspired, and feature the house's classic, elegant baroque renderings and raised bas relief technique Versace Medusas on the sides.

A far cry from the drugstore prints, these acetate-framed shades easily complement most ensembles, including contrasting patterns. Check out the hot colors in the gallery below to see how rock and roll this look can be. Accessories like sunglasses are always a fabulous way to update a stagnant wardrobe of safe staples, and the perfect way to sport a high end brand without spending too much cash -- these will only set you back $190.

The unmistakable Baroque-Print sunglasses are available in Versace boutiques now and will be hitting other stores in May.

Gallery: Versace Baroque-Print Sunglasses

Tags: eyewear, fashion, style, sunglasses, versace

Madonna Designs Sunglasses For Dolce & Gabbana

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Celebrity Design

madonna and dolce and gabbana sunglasses

After Madonna's sexy turn as an Italian housewife for Dolce & Gabbana, she has taken the her collaboration with the designers one step further, creating a sunglasses line. The collection isn't out yet but a few images have surfaced. The sexy shades are branded with both Madonna's name and Dolce & Gabbana. Some pieces feature the D&G logo appended with a star-bedazzled M. The glasses should sell for $248-$289.

Tags: designer sunglasses, dolce and gabbana, madonna, sunglasses

The Sunglasses Shop Makes the Stars' Sunglasses Yours, Easily

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Jewelry

This has a decidedly London tilt, but we can't help sharing the bounty of The Sunglasses Shop UK. If you're on The 'Sceptered Isle or just passing through, it might be worth a perusal.

Of course, sunglass retailers are common. What aren't common are retailers that make it so easy to find that pair of sunnies you caught while flipping through InStyle or GQ a couple of months ago. The Sunglasses Shop has nearly 40 pages of pictures of celebrities in sunglasses to let you know what was being sported. If you don't find the particular shades you simply must have, the site has a forum where you can post a picture and ask, "What are these?" If the site's spotters know what they are, they'll let you know you and include a link if they sell them. But even if the site doesn't sell them, they'll tell you what the model is if they know and suggest something close from their own stores.

If you want to keep up with trends, there's even a page for best sellers. Last month one of the biggest movers was Tom Ford's James Bond 007, designed for Daniel Craig in Quantum of Solace but seen above shielding the eyes of Marc Antony. If Mr. Lo has made the association a little dubious, perhaps go with fellow bestsellers the Daddy B as worn by Jay Z, or the Carrera Panamerika, a favorite of Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, and Sean Paul. Or wait and see who wears what this month. The Sunglasses Shop has you covered. Or your eyes, at least.

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Tags: glasses, london, sunglasses, sunglasses shop uk, uk

You're it with Maria Sharapova's TAG Heuer Eyewear Collection

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Jewelry, Celebrity Design

Your list of personal attributes might not include blonde, 6' 2" and mean-with-a-backhand. There might not be a Wimbledon trophy with your name on it. You might not even be Russian. But that doesn't mean you can't at least look like – kind of – the person who has all of those qualities. To do so, you should probably start with the Maria Sharapova Sunglass Collection by TAG Heuer Eyewear.

Designed by the Grand Slam winner herself, the collection includes aviator frames in motorsports-grade stainless steel, or thick, hand-polished, black acetate large-format frames. That latter variety is available in several trims: black with gray or gradated lenses; ivory frame with blue grey lenses; tortoiseshell with gradient brown lenses; and dark plum with gradient pink lenses. And so that there will be no doubt, her autograph is discreetly laser-etched into the ultra light, shatter-resistant, UVA- and UVB-protected lenses.

The collection goes on sale as of this month, retailing for $250.00 at TAG Heuer Eyewear retailers. Your road to the Grand Slam begins here, and once you've mastered the glasses you can work on that backhand...

Gallery: Maria Sharapova Collection by TAG Heuer Eyewear

Tags: accessories, EyeWear, glasses, maria sharapova, sunglasses, tag, tag heuer

Lugano Diamonds Sunglasses

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

World-renowned jeweler Lugano Diamonds has come out with a new set of sunglasses designed by Barton Perriera that feature frames inlaid with clear and colored diamonds. Above is my favorite with pink lenses, gold frame, and 2.85 carats of fancy pink diamonds, and in the gallery below there's a leopard-print design with intense yellow and black diamonds on the frame and also a pretty purple version. Diamonds on sunglasses all too often end up looking gaudy and overly flashy but these are nicely understated. Just a little sparkle at your temple to honor your love of diamonds. Sunglasses priced at about $27,000 each.

Gallery: Lugano Diamonds Sunglasses